WILD SPORTS OF THE HIGHLANDS 



as, perched on some rocky point or withered tree, he sits 

 unconcerned in wind and storm, motionless and statue- 

 like, with his keen, stern eye, however, intently following 

 every movement of the shepherd or of the sportsman, who, 

 deceived by his apparent disregard, attempts to creep with- 

 in rifle-shot. Long before he can reckon on reaching so far 

 with his bullet, the bird launches himself into the air, and 

 gradually sweeping upwards, wheels high out of shot, leav- 

 ing his enemy disappointed and vexed at having crept in 

 vain through bog and over rock in expectation of carrying 

 home so glorious a trophy of his skill. When intent on his 

 game, the eagle frequently will venture within a short dis- 

 tance of the grouse-shooter or deer-stalker. I have seen him 

 pounce (no, that is not the proper word, for he rather rushes) 

 down on a pack of grouse, and, with outspread wings, he 

 so puzzles and confuses the birds, that he seizes and carries 

 off two or three before they know what has happened, and 

 in the very face of the astonished sportsman and his dogs. 

 The mountain hare, too, is carried off by the eagle with 

 as much apparent ease as the mouse is borne away by the 

 kestrel. 



The marten and the wild cat are favourite morsels. A 

 tame eagle which I kept for some time killed all the cats 

 about the place. Sitting motionless on his perch, he waited 

 quietly and seemingly unheeding till the unfortunate ani- 

 mal camewithin reach of his chain. Thendown heflew,and 

 surrounding the cat with his wings, seized her in hispower- 

 ful talons, with one foot planted firmly on her loins, and the 

 other on her throat; and nothing more was seen of poor 

 Grimalkin except her skin, which the eagle left empty and 



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